In many states across the nation, legislation temporarily allowing cocktails to-go has helped bars and restaurants stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis. Now, as COVID-19 cases rise and bars in many states are being forced to close—again—one state has taken the step to make cocktails to-go permanent.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed legislation this week, HF 2540, making cocktails to-go permanent. This marks the first state in the nation to make permanent the temporary economic relief measure put in place in response to COVID-19.
“Iowa’s hospitality businesses have suffered greatly due to the harsh financial impacts of COVID-19,” said Dale Szyndrowski, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) Vice President of State Government Relations. “Making cocktails to-go permanent provides a much-needed source of stability and revenue for local bars, restaurants and distilleries as they begin to recover. We thank Governor Reynolds and the legislature for supporting local businesses and their employees by making Iowa the first state to make a temporary cocktails to-go measure permanent. Iowa is leading the way and serving as a model for other states looking for innovative ways to boost struggling hospitality businesses.”
Currently, more than 30 states plus the District of Columbia are allowing restaurants and/or bars to sell cocktails to-go, bottled spirits to-go, or both. Other states, including Texas, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, and the District of Columbia, are considering making their policies permanent.
The distilled spirits industry is committed to responsibility and encourages moderation for adults who choose to drink alcohol. Cocktails to-go are intended for home consumption. Laws governing alcohol consumption must always be observed.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States is the leading voice and advocate for distilled spirits in the U.S., advocating on legislative, regulatory and public affairs issues impacting the distilled spirits sector at the local, state, federal and international levels. DISCUS members are committed to responsibility and encourage adults who drink to do so in moderation.
Photo by Louis Hansel @shotsoflouis on Unsplash
